Fall of Kings

A tree branch atop a fence is a surreal scene.

The broken tree branch teetered
precariously on the fence.
I recall the day it fell,
a massive branch
of old red maple
lost to time, weak
relic shedding bark, a
crooked arm unsteady
swaying, seemingly defying
gravity, atop the back of a chain-
link fence in picturesque absurdity.
Wood meets metal, teeter cradle
lost the lofty status, now mere
pathetic leafless fallen, face
to face with link, wobbly
as senility on a tram.
Picture of pain
mouthless
moaning,
bathed in
light breeze
cellulose amputee.
Sudden crack, ousted
by a sudden gust of wind
to toddle on a fence today
as if to dazzle history, or play
a scene of weary wood resigned.
Unbecoming balancing act, tightrope
performer put on by royal decree.
Comes a fall, an abdication.


30 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
7-2-19